Isotretinoin, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Generic and brand names: isotretinoin, oral; Accutane

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used to treat severe cases of acne when other medicines don't work. This medicine may be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How do I take it?

Take this medicine exactly as your health care provider prescribes. Taking too much of it or taking it too often may increase the risk of side effects.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your health care provider.

What should I watch out for?

Females of childbearing age: Warning: This medicine has caused birth defects when taken during pregnancy. Read the information supplied with the medicine. You will be required to meet certain conditions and sign a consent form. If you are of childbearing age, use an effective birth control method:

• for one month before you start to take this medicine
• while you are taking this medicine
• for a month after you stop taking it.

Your health care provider may do two pregnancy tests to make sure that you are not pregnant before you start taking this medicine.

You might want to use two reliable birth control methods at the same time. Stop taking this medicine at the first sign that you may be pregnant and contact your health care provider right away.

Do not take vitamin A while you are taking this medicine. Ask your health care provider which vitamin supplement to take, if any.

This medicine may increase the level of fat (triglycerides) in your blood, and alcohol may add to this effect. Do not drink alcohol without your health care provider's approval while you are taking this medicine.

This medicine may cause depression, mood swings, and thoughts of suicide. If you have these reactions, contact your health care provider right away.

Dry eyes, mouth, nose, and skin may occur while you are taking this medicine. If any of these reactions becomes a problem, contact your health care provider. Using Vaseline for your lips, creams or ointments for your skin, and artificial tears for your eyes may help.

This medicine may cause vision changes. Do not drive unless you can see clearly.

This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun and may cause you to sunburn more easily. While you are taking this medicine, avoid long exposure to the sun. While you are in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen lotion until you know how you will react to the sun. Do not use a sunlamp. If you get a severe sunburn, contact your health care provider right away.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Eye irritation or inflammation, depression, mood swings, thoughts of suicide, vision problems, bleeding gums, severe headache, stomach upset, diarrhea.

Other: Dry skin, dry eyes, dry mouth, dry nose, peeling skin, increased sensitivity to sun.

What products might interact with this medicine?

Do not take vitamin A while you are taking this medicine. Vitamin A may cause harmful effects with this medicine.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.